Wish I'd Known Then . . . For Writers I'm a Real Human, Not AI: 20 Ways Authors Can Signal Humanity and Build Reader Trust
310 / AI is getting better at producing words, audio, and even video, which raises the question for authors: how do readers know there’s a real person behind the book?
In this episode, we talk about how writers can stand out in a sea of AI content through leaning harder into trust, voice, and real connection. We share concrete ways to signal “I’m a real person” without forcing yourself to overshare or turn your life into content.
✨ This week’s sponsor is: Reedsy https://reedsy.com/studio and https://reedsy.com/studio/templates
- Why authenticity and connection matter more as AI output scales—and what history tells us about tech panic cycles
- How parasocial relationships work, where they go sideways, and how real-world interaction cuts through the noise
- Practical ways to show your humanity: imperfection, process sharing, physical objects, and curation
- Protecting your author voice and using credibility signals to build lasting reader trust
📌 Get a PDF download of all the ideas: Real, Not AI: 20 Ways Authors Signal Humanity and Build Reader Trust
💙 Become a supporter of the podcast If you've gotten value from the podcast and would like to share back with us, you could support the podcast. You'll get access to the backlist of exclusive supporter episodes and a shoutout on a future episode.
https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support or https://wishidknownthenpodcast.substack.com/subscribe
We’d love to hear from you. Comments will be open on this episode in Substack: https://wishidknownthenpodcast.substack.com/subscribe
⚡Links:
- Reedsy https://reedsy.com/studio and https://reedsy.com/studio/templates
- Patty McGree on using grammar as your paintbox:
- https://pod.link/1495247798/episode/QnV6enNwcm91dC0xODY2MDEzOA
- Joanna Penn and The Creative Penn Podcast: https://pod.link/309426367
- Thanks to long-time supporter Parker Finch: https://parkerfinch.com/
🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops
❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5
🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/
📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/
The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast